28 Mar Mississippi’s Kids Are Caught in the Red Tape of Medicaid “Unwinding”
A Message from Stephanie Davidson, Health Law Project Associate
In July 2023 when Mississippi began terminations from the Medicaid continuous eligibility requirement, 456,314 children were enrolled in Medicaid accounting for nearly half of the total number of beneficiaries. As of January 2024, Medicaid enrollment for children dropped by 15.5%. A loss of health coverage during childhood may have long-term consequences because continued access to health care can promote school readiness and reduce chronic absenteeism preventing gaps in learning that hinder educational performance. Healthier students are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college, leading to greater financial security in adulthood.
After three years of continuous eligibility, many children that lost coverage may still be eligible for Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) remains an option. The Mississippi Center for Justice is committed to collaborating with the Mississippi Division of Medicaid and local partners to reduce barriers to accessing health care for Mississippi’s youngest and most vulnerable populations.
Resources:
Mississippi Division of Medicaid resources
Short-Term Cuts to Medicaid Coverage During Pregnancy and Childhood Could Result in Long-Term Harm